Early Access: Tower of London Opening Ceremony and Royal London

London’s iconic landmarks and historic sites come alive with this well-curated tour that combines exclusive early access at the Tower of London with a comprehensive walk through Westminster and a scenic Thames cruise. This four-hour experience, offered by Urban Saunters, is designed for travelers who want to beat the crowds and get a deeper understanding of London’s royal and political history.

What really makes this tour stand out is the early VIP access to the Tower of London, allowing visitors to see the Crown Jewels and the White Tower before the general public arrives. Add to that a guided walking tour of Westminster and a relaxing river cruise, and you have a package that ticks many boxes – history, scenery, and insider knowledge.

A possible consideration? The tour involves quite a bit of walking across uneven surfaces, cobblestones, and hills, so comfortable shoes are a must. It’s a well-balanced experience for those who enjoy exploring on foot but could be less ideal if mobility is a concern.

This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts, first-time visitors, or anyone keen to maximize their morning with authentic, crowd-free sights in London.

Key Points

• Early VIP Access to the Tower of London allows you to see the Crown Jewels and White Tower before the crowds arrive, offering a more intimate experience.
• Guided walking tour of Westminster highlights essential sights like Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey, with plenty of interesting commentary.
• Thames River cruise provides a scenic and relaxing view of London’s famous landmarks, with informative narration from your guide.
• Value for money is notable given the combination of private access, guided tours, and a cruise, all for around $124.22.
• Comfortable shoes and moderate fitness are needed due to the walking over uneven surfaces and some hills.
• The tour ends at Buckingham Palace, giving you a perfect photo opportunity and a sense of completion.

In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting at the Tower of London

The adventure begins early at the Tower of London, a site many travelers consider a must-see. The VIP early access is a real highlight — you get to enter before the crowds, making the experience more relaxed and allowing for better viewing of the Crown Jewels and other historic artefacts. One reviewer, Margarita, called it “magical,” emphasizing how much easier it was to enjoy without the throngs of travelers.

Your guide, often a knowledgeable Beefeater or local expert, greets you with a warm welcome, setting the tone for an engaging experience. They point out features like Traitors Gate, Tower Hill, and the White Tower, giving stories and context that bring the stones to life. The White Tower, built by William the Conqueror, is a favorite among visitors who appreciate the chance to see historical armour and artefacts up close.

The Crown Jewels Opening Ceremony

After exploring the outer walls, you’ll move to the Crown Jewels, but not just for a quick peek. The tour includes a special opening ceremony, which many reviewers describe as fun, clever, and unexpectedly humorous. Being among the first to see this glittering collection adds a layer of exclusivity. It’s a relatively short stop (about 15 minutes), but one that packs a punch in terms visual impact and experience.

Thames River Cruise

Next, a 30-minute boat cruise along the Thames offers a different perspective on the city. From the water, you’ll get fantastic views of Tower Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and other landmarks, with your guide providing engaging commentary. Several reviewers, like Holly, appreciated how this part of the tour is relaxing and scenic, providing a breather from walking and a chance to absorb the city’s beauty.

Westminster Highlights

Disembarking near Westminster, you’ll explore key political and religious sites. The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben are striking up close, and your guide shares insights about their history and significance. A quick stop at Westminster Abbey gives you a taste of its grandeur and importance—enough for a photo and some intriguing stories, although entry isn’t included for this part.

Royal and Governmental Sites

Continuing the walk, you’ll see Horse Guards Parade, the grand entrance to Buckingham Palace, and St. James’s Palace. These sites are picture-perfect and loaded with stories. Reviewers loved the opportunity to snap photos without the usual crowds — especially at Horse Guards and St. James’s Palace, which remain operational royal residences and government buildings.

End at Buckingham Palace

The tour concludes near Buckingham Palace, allowing you to wrap up your morning exploring at your own pace. Many travelers, including those who reviewed alongside others, found the timing ideal for continuing their sightseeing or grabbing an early lunch.

What Travelers Say

The consistent praise is for the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. Guides like Babs, Amber, Jo, and Nathan receive high marks for their storytelling, humor, and insider tips. Several review snippets highlight how guides made the experience so much more engaging (“Babs was a great tour guide,” “Jo was very interesting and articulate”).

The exclusivity of early access is another favorite feature, with many describing it as “worth every penny” and “a unique experience.” The ability to see the Crown Jewels before the crowds is often cited as a major plus.

Some reviewers noted the balance of guided commentary and free time within the Tower. As Julianne put it, “It was a nice mix of guided tour and free time,” which allows for spontaneous exploration.

Cost and Value

At $124.22 per person, this tour offers considerable value. It includes VIP early access, a guided tour, and a Thames cruise, which would be difficult to piece together separately and likely cost more if booked individually. Reviewers like Mark M. emphasized that “seeing the unlocking ceremony at ToL is a unique experience” and that the tour was “well worth the money,” especially with knowledgeable guides like Nathan.

Considerations

While most reviews are glowing, a couple of travelers felt the tour was “average” or not worth the money. These opinions often cite unengaging guides or a preference for a more flexible, independent visit. Keep in mind that the walking involved can be demanding, especially on uneven surfaces or hills, so wear comfortable shoes.

Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying the Tour

• Book in advance, as the most popular dates fill up, with bookings typically made around 72 days prior.
• Wear comfortable shoes because the tour involves a good amount of walking on cobblestones and hills.
• Arrive early at the Tower to enjoy the VIP experience fully — the tour starts at the official ticket office near Tower Hill.
• Since food and drinks are not included, consider grabbing breakfast before or after the tour.
• The tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan your transportation accordingly—public transit to Tower Hill station is nearby.
• The tour ends near Buckingham Palace, which is close to many other attractions and transportation options.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This experience is best suited for history buffs, first-time visitors, or anyone eager to see London’s major sights with minimal crowds, especially early in the day. The combination of VIP access, engaging guides, and scenic boat rides makes it a satisfying choice for those who enjoy a mix of education, scenery, and exclusive moments.

The tour’s capacity is limited to 20 people, ensuring a more personalized feel, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and learn insider stories. If you’re traveling with family or friends who appreciate history and sightseeing, this is an efficient, well-organized way to cover key attractions without feeling rushed.

However, if you prefer a very flexible or independent sightseeing style, or if mobility is a concern, consider whether the physical demands and structured timing suit your plans.

FAQs

• What is included in this tour?
  VIP early-access tickets to the Tower of London, a private welcome from the Chief Beefeater, guided walking tour of Westminster, and a Thames River boat ride.

• How long does the tour last?
  Approximately 4 hours, starting early morning and ending near Buckingham Palace.

• Is the tour suitable for all ages?
  Most likely, yes, but moderate physical fitness is recommended due to walking and uneven surfaces.

• Where does the tour start?
  At the official ticket office near Tower Hill, London.

• Does the tour include entry to Westminster Abbey or Buckingham Palace?
  No, entry to Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace is not included; only external views and historic commentary are part of the tour.

• Can I cancel this tour?
  Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the start time.

• Is transportation included?
  No, you need to travel to and from the meeting point on your own.

• Are food and drinks included?
  No, travelers should plan to have breakfast or bring snacks.

• What should I wear?
  Comfortable shoes are essential; be prepared for walking over cobblestones and hills.

• Is this tour good for solo travelers?
  Absolutely, with a small group capped at 20, solo travelers will find the experience intimate and engaging.

In summary, this tour offers a fantastic way to see London’s most famous sights with an emphasis on avoiding crowds, gaining insider insights, and enjoying scenic views along the Thames. It’s especially ideal for those who value a mix of structured sightseeing and authentic, less hectic experiences. Whether you’re a history lover or simply want a smart way to kick off your London adventure, this experience delivers excellent value and memorable moments.